Dash woke up with a small headache as she felt the warmth of the suns rays on her naked body and could barely remember what happened after the party and saw that her clothes were strewn all over the bushes.

"What did I do last night?" She groaned when a set of hands suddenly groped her breasts and she was greeted with a kiss.

"MM!"

"Mmm the better question is: What didn't you do?" Joe grinned as she began to smile.

"Oh I remember now~." Dash giggled as he got on top of her and they began to make out.

"Mmm babe, much as I'd love to go another marathon with you I got work to do." Dash said while reaching for her panties caught in the bush.

"Very well." Joe kissed her again before grabbing her bra. "But I'm keeping these. Be a good reason for you to come back," Joe smirked at her.

"Makes it easier for your to stare~." Dash said as she dressed herself and gave him a quick peck.

"See you around, lover~." She smiled before taking off at lightning speed.

After collecting his clothes and clearing his head, Joe reported back to camp to find most of the men in a similar state as they shambled towards the town well like zombies.

"Rough night eh boys?" He joked, earning a few responses.

"Had a fun night?" Darren asked while sipping a strange beverage.

"More or less, what is that brew you're drinking?"

"It's called Coffee It's a bitter drink but mix it with cream and sugar and you got yourself a perfect morning beverage."

Curious, Joe grabbed one of the mugs and gave it a sniff before draining a third of it. "Whoa! That'll put a little lead in your pistol!"

"You should try it with this apple pie." Marshall said as he walked in with a surprising smile on his face.

"Baked fresh this morning, a gift from The Apple Family."

"Don't mind if I do," Darren said while taking a slice of pie.

"Thanks, Marsh. Though I thought for sure you would be eating another kind of pie," Joe joked while he enjoyed his treat.

"Just for that, no second slice for you." Marshall said as some of the men chuckled.

"Have our scouts found anything?" He asked Darren as they sat down together.

"Not a thing. All we find are traces of the greenskins, mainly their banners and totems....this makes no sense, they're never this careful."

"Maybe Cracktoof learned a few tricks after our last encounter." Joe said when they heard the screech of an eagle and looked to the sky as the men began to cheer.

The townsfolk looked to the sky and were stunned by what they saw.

The Emperor himself was flying in on the back of a majestic armored griffin with the body of a tiger and the head and talons of a black eagle. Its wings were so strong that one flap created a powerful gust of wind that nearly knocked some of the men off their feet as he landed.

"Steady Deathclaw, steady." The Emperor said to his mount with a gentle pat to the side as he dismounted.

"My lord! Forgive us we didn't know you were coming." Darren said as they ran to meet him halfway.

"At ease men." Karl Franz said with a polite voice.

"I heard about your skirmish with the goblins from the princess and came to see how you were all faring."

"Nothing we couldn't handle sire." Joe smirked with his usual confidence.

"Good but we cannot rest yet. Now that we know Cracktoof is here, we must find that monster and finish him off once and for all."

"It would be my pleasure sire. I have a score to settle with that brute." Marshall growled as he ran a hand over his scar.

"OH MY GOODNESS!!" A voice gasped when the men turned to see Fluttershy staring in awe at the mighty griffin.

"I've seen griffins before but not like this one!"

"Beautiful is he not?" The emperor asked.

"I raised him since he was an egg."

"He's ADROABLE!!" Fluttershy squealed as she gave Deathclaw a big hug that made him purr.

"Adorable?" Marshall said while watching the griffin nuzzle the pegasus.

"Ohh who's a cute fluffy wuffy? You are!"

"Seems he's taken a liking to you." Emperor Franz smiled as he gave him a gentle stroke of the feathers.

"Would you care to watch him for the day?"

"Of course I would!" Fluttershy said with excitement as she gestured the griffin to follow her back to her cottage.

"What just happened?" Joe asked before looking into his mug of coffee and spilling it on the ground.

"Now men. To business." The emperor said in a more serious tone.

"The princess was able to provide us some lodgings in the city. Sir Darren, you will accompany me to Canterlot with half our troops, Sir Joseph and Sir Marshall will stay with the rest of the men to guard the town until we can determine Cracktoofs location. Is that clear?"

"Sire!" The men saluted in unison.

"Very good. Now if one of you will please direct me to Princess Twilight, I have some matters to discuss with her."

"Allow me sire." Darren said while showing him through town to see the busy markets and townsfolk.

"Reminds me of Altdorf." Emperor Franz said with a soft smile as they continued toward the castle and despite its small stature, it was quite the sight to behold.

"An entire castle made of pure crystal. The colleges of magic would love to study this."

"It is an impressive sight." Darren said before knocking on the door.

"Coming!" Spike shouted from the other side when he opened to see Darren and The Emperor.

"Oh uh y-your majesty, I didn't know you were coming."

"Be at peace little drake. I'm here to see Princess Twilight." The emperor said in a friendly manner as Spike opened the door.

"Follow me, she should be finished grading the papers from the school."

As Spike lead them through the halls of the castle, Sir Darren marveled at the crystal interior and warm atmosphere the castle gave off, making it seem more like a family home than a royal castle.

"She should be in here." Spike said as they came to a door at the end of the hall where Twilight was busy grading papers and taking notes using her magic with impressive concentration.

"Twilight? The emperor is here to see you." Spike said, getting her attention as they walked in.

"Good morning Princess Twilight, I hope you are doing well after your encounter with the goblins."

"Umm yes I'm fine..." Twilight replied while going over a few more papers.

"I understand you had a...disagreement with Sir Marshall and Sir Joseph during that event." The emperor said, making her stop in her work.

"Know that I hold no grudge towards you and I understand. From what your former teacher has told me, your kingdom has never found much need for war even in the darkest of times."

"Well to be honest, the only evil we ever...killed was The Storm King..." Twilight admitted as she leaned back in her chair.

"I know he tried to take over our kingdom and everything but we didn't mean to."

"It is difficult when choosing what needs to be done and what must be done. Such is the burden of those who are chosen to lead." The emperor said to the troubled princess before focusing on the reason for his visit.

"With your permission princess, I would like your help in building fortifications around your village."

"Fortifications? What for?" Spike asked as he came up with a tea tray and some snacks.

"You must understand. Now that we know the orks are here in your lands, we must prepare for the worst."

"Is there really no other way? Can't we just talk to them?" Twilight asked as the emperor sighed.

"If it were that easy little one, we would not have had so many conflicts in the past with these beasts. They crave violence and destruction on a scale unimaginable, they leave nothing standing and they leave no survivors and any who have tried to employ these brutes have ended up with a knife in their back." Karl Franz answered, making Twilight sigh with a sad expression.

"If it means anything dear princess, please accept my humblest apologies."

"Apologies? For what?"

"It was us who lead these monsters to your shores and because of that they now threaten your very land and its people."

"Please don't apologize!" Twilight said.

"I know you didn't mean for all of this to happen but who's to say that they wouldn't have found Equestria sooner or later?"

"You have a kind heart dear princess. I can see why Celestia has put so much faith in you and your friends." The emperor said with admiration before taking a sip of tea.

For a few moments they stayed quiet until Twilight took a deep breath and neatly set her papers aside.

"Spike, I need a map of the town and the fields surrounding it."

"You got it!" Spike saluted as he zipped off to the nearest shelf and began checking the scrolls.

"If we're going to build a wall, we'll need time and resources." Twilight said just as Spike found the map.

"Here it is."

"Good work Spike now let's get to work." The princess said with a determined look on her face as she unrolled the map.

"The areas surrounding Ponyville are mostly small hills and valleys, the only flatland is the main road that leads to Canterlot. If you're right about these...greenskins then we'll have to build the main gate here."

"Agreed and I noticed there is a lone peak not far from your town, we can acquire the stone we need from there." The Emperor pointed out the lone mountain on the map.

"Good idea, plus there is an abandoned dragons lair the soldiers can use as a lookout post, I can have the princess arrange a few pegasi from her guard to join them. Spike, paper and quill."

"Yes ma'am!" Spike saluted once more before coming back with the mentioned supplies.

"You are quite capable young Spike. I wish my advisors were as handy as you." The emperor complimented the little dragon as Twilight wrote her request.

"Sir Darren."

"Sire?"

"Have our men begin putting a barricade around the town, use what wood you can find but stay away from The Everfree forest. I am told those woods are enchanted."

"As you command." Darren saluted as he left the castle.

Darren stopped and glanced back at the Emperor. “And what about the warboss? When do we hunt down that wretch?”

"In time Sir Darren. Now go."

"Sire." Darren then left without a second thought as the doors gently closed behind him.

"Is this warboss really that terrifying?" Spike asked nervously.

"Orks are often a disorganized lot who often fight with each other as well as other races young Spike but on occasion, one individual is able to rise to a position of power and is able to bring them into what they call a "Waagh". Cracktoof is one such individual and is as cunning and brutal as any warboss can be."

For the rest of the day, Twilight and the emperor drew up the plans and made arrangements with the mayor and Applejacks family and the work immediately began on the barricades.

By a stroke of luck, there was an orchard on the Apple Family's farm that needed some clearing and Applejack was more than happy to lend a hand in clearing out the orchard with her brother Big Macintosh.

Marshall was part of the group cutting down the trees and had worked up a good sweat when she came over with a pitcher of apple juice and a friendly smile.

"Need a drink partner?" She asked while offering him a cup.

"Thank you miss Applejack."

"Just Applejack hon. No need to be formal."

Marshall smiled as he took the drink and gave a short toast and swigging it down as he quenched his thirst.

"Delicious."

"Freshly squeezed this morning." Applejack winked before pouring him another cup.

"Are you sure your family doesn't mind us doing this Applejack? We'd hate to inconvenience you." Marshall asked while watching the rest of his men work on the orchard.

"It's no problem sugarcube, this makes it easier for us to plant new trees and get rid of the excess lumber." Applejack said before placing the pitcher on a tree stump.

"I hope you're not still mad about what happened with Twilight. It's just...we're not used to those kind of things here. Killing, I mean."

"It's understandable. Your people have never faced a foe like the greenskins, your exploits say as much." Marshall said before he resumed hacking the tree he was working on.

"Forgive me for saying this Applejack but it's best you Equestrians learn to defend yourselves soon, especially now that war is inevitable."

"I think I might have to agree with you sugarcube." Applejack said, surprising the human.

"Ever since the Storm King incident, we haven't been exactly at the top of our game and before that their was Tirek."

"Ah yes, the centaur. I read about that incident in that journal you all wrote together." Marshall said just as the last strike sent the tree toppling over.

"Perfect, now to get a crew to remove these stumps."

"Oh I got that part handled. Big Mac!" Applejack called out to a large red stallion chewing on a cattail.

"Marshall, meet my big brother, Big Macintosh."

"Eeyup." Mac greeted the human with a friendly handshake and his signature Eeyup before turning his attention to the stump.

"Big Mac, think you can lend us a hand?" Applejack asked as her brother rolled up his sleeves.

"Eeyup."

"Hmm he looks strong enough." Marshall said after giving him a quick glance.

"Now I figure we need a chain or rope, followed by a few more able bodied men so we should be able to-!!"

"MMMM!!!"

In a feat of incredible strength, Mac pulled the stump out of the ground roots and all with relative ease making all the workers jaws drop before he chucked it to the side to start a pile.

"Sigmar's grace..."

"Yeah, my brother is the strong one in our family."

"Eeyup."

Marshall was a little dumbfounded to see the stallion lift the stump out of the ground with such ease.

"These ponies are quite impressive with their strength." Marshall thought and walked with Mac.

Suddenly, something caught Marshall's eye in the distance of the brush. He paused his walking and squinted his eyes. The brush was still for a moment as he kept his gaze until it moved, and Marshall could swear he saw a pair of red eyes. The mere sight of it made his eyes widen with both panic and anger. They were here...those green-skins!

"OORRKS!!" One worker shouted as several orks came charging out of the trees.

"GET EM BOYZ!!"

Marshall grabbed his hatchet and charged towards the rampaging beasts along with a few workers while the rest went to get help from town. A small skirmish erupted in the middle of the orchard with man and greenskin fighting tooth and nail to push each other back.

"Hey! Over here ya varmint!" Applejack shouted to one of the orks about to finish off a wounded soldier as she caught him with her lasso and sent him flying into a tree.

"That'll teach ya."

"Applejack!!" Mac shouted when another ork lunged at Applejack with his weapon raised high.

"SAY HELLO TO ME CHOPPA PONY!!"

Just as the blade came crashing down, Marshall slammed into the brute with a shoulder tackle and both tumbled down a small hill before grappling each other amongst the stumps and fallen trees.

"Ya damn greenskin!" Marshall cursed as they locked weapons with the ork snarling at him with eyes burning red.

"STINKIN' HUMIE!!"

Applejack could only watch as Marshall grappled with the beast and tried to think of something to help when Bic Mac suddenly came charging down the hill with the speed of a battering ram and with his fist clenched tight, he smashed the orks face in and sent dozens of its teeth flying as it toppled over and hit the ground with a loud thud while the rest of them retreated.

"Nice right hook." Marshall complimented while poking at the unconscious ork.

"Still alive, no surprise. Your hand okay?"

"Eeyup."

“Sir!” A worker ran up to Marshall. “We must report this to his imperial majesty!”

"Do it, we'll wrap things up here and tend to the wounded."

"Yes sir!" The worker ran off as the captain sat down to catch his breath after tying up the ork.

"You saved my sister." Mac said with an approving nod.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it." Marshall sighed.

After hearing of the incident, Darren and the rest of the Reiksguard took to patrolling the borders of the town while Joe and the Free Companies Militia kept watch over the workers as construction on the barricade continued.

"So, I heard you and the farm gal got pretty close earlier." Joe said with his usual smug grin while keeping watch.

"We just talked, nothing more." Marshall said as he planted another large wooden stake along the fence.

"And that's how it starts. A typical friendly chat and next thing you know it's off to the hayloft with the both of ya."

"Not everything has to be moments of lustful passion you know!" Marshall snapped at his friends joke as he carved up another piece of wood.

"I mean how long until you leave the pegasus for the next girl hmm? and the girl after that and the girl after that and-"

"Alright, alright. Put down your heckles Marshall, I was only teasing and as for Rainbow Dash...I think she might be the one." Joe said, making his friend stare.

"You're kidding, you just met her."

"I know we just met. But, I have to be honest. She's like no other girl I've met, and that's not just her being a pegasus." Joe slammed in another stake into the ground before moving on to the next spot. "Aside from being beautiful, she's very athletic, has a real sense of humor, and she can hold her drink. Also, she's got a very firm ass," He told Marsh before slamming another stake in.

"And there it is." Marshall said as they finished up the last of the barricade.

"You better hope the Inquisition doesn't get wind of this or there will be hell to pay."

"Ah fuck the Inquisition! They'd accuse anyone of being tainted by plague the moment they sneeze." Joe said as they walked back to town.

"Be glad there aren't any witch hunters who heard that. You'd be burned at the stake for sure."

"They try, and I'll shove that stake so far up their ass, they'll be coughing up splinters," Joe joked, though he hoped to Sigmar the Inquisition would never catch wind of his and Rainbow's relationship.

"By the way, where is your rainbow haired lover anyway?"

"Incoming!" Dash cheered as she flew into Joe and sent him toppling over with a kiss.

"Miss me~?"

"Every time you're away~," Joe responded while the two made out on the ground with him on the dirt. Once they got up, Joe held her by her waist before kissing her neck. "What brings you by? Wanted to help with the fortifications or did you want a little roll in the bushes?"

"Later, I came to give you this." Dash smirked as she handed him a scroll baring the royal seal of Canterlot.

"Orders from up top, Princess Celestia wants you three at the next council meeting." She said while wrapping her arms around him.

"When you get back, I got a surprise for you~."

"Save it lovebirds. We still got work to do." Marshall said as he rolled his eyes at the happy couple.

Joe smirked at Marsh before Bringing Dash in for another kiss. "Thank you, darling." He then leans in to whisper in her ear. "And I can't wait for that surprise~." He then nibbles her ear before pulling back, leaving her flustered.

Both men noticed Darren straightening out his attire, as if preparing himself. Joe and Marshall looked at each other and grinned.

“20 pieces of gold says he lays the princess within the month,” Marshall said.

Canterlot City

The three men were escorted by Twilight and Spike after arriving in the city via train and just like in Ponyville, they were met with odd looks and stares from the citizens as they passed through the streets.

"Strange, you'd think they'd be used to seeing humans by now." Darren said after noticing a few human merchant stalls in the streets.

"I think it's more because of your armor. It's not like any they've ever seen" Twilight said while pointing to some royal guards patrolling the streets.

"Ah. Classic design, good for fighting up close but plate armor can be a bit heavy to carry." Marshall said after getting a look at one of them.

"Think Dash would look good in one of those?" Joe smirked after seeing a female guard march by.

"We're here." Spike said as they arrived on the steps of the castle and were greeted by several dignitaries from The Empire as well as Equestria.

"I recognize some of these folks here. They're from the merchants guild." Joe said after seeing the overly dressed nobles talking with some of the equestrians.

"Princess Twilight, please follow me." A young pegasus guard smiled to the princess, making her blush.

"Thank you Flash Sentry." Twilight said politely as they walked past him.

"Good lad, seems to take his job seriously." Marshall said aloud before they stood before the throne.

"Sir Darren, Sir Marshall and Sir Joseph. I'm glad you could answer my summons." Celestia said as the three men bowed.

"Is there trouble your grace?" Darren asked the princess.

"Not exactly. You see a few of our city officials have some concerns about the recent events involving Ponyville and we'd like your help on the matter."

"We'd be happy to help, any way we can," Joe said with a small nod.

"Then please follow me."

Celestia lead them towards the council room where they could hear a clamor of voices arguing, one of them being Emperor Karl Franz.

"Brace yourselves." The moment the doors open, the entire room could be heard shooting arguments back and forth with fingers pointing to each side.

"Your kind brought these beasts here, your kind should deal with it!" One shouted to the emperor.

"Why should Equestrians get involved in a war not our own?!"

"We have done nothing but offered you our friendship as well as our protection and this is how you repay us?!?" Karl Franz shot back with his fist slamming to the table.

BLAM!!

The whole room grew silent after Joe fired up in the air. "Now that we have your attention, let's all talk like civilized beings."

"Umm thank you Sir Joseph." Celestia said as one of the guards snatched away his pistol.

"Now. What seems to be the problem gentlemen?" Marshall asked as they seated themselves.

"The problem my good sir is that your emperor is making an unreasonable request!" One noble spat as a crew of repair ponies came in to patch up the hole in the roof.

"What is so unreasonable in giving your kingdom an opportunity to learn how to defend itself?" The Emperor replied with his arms out.

"From what i've seen, you have no army, no real military system and no real means of defending yourselves should a threat arise."

"That is what we have Princess Twilight and her friends for, we've explained this!" Another said in annoyance before pinching the bridge of his nose.

"So you mean to tell me that if the orks were to muster an army, you would let this young girl and her friends risk their lives with the chance they might fail and leave your lands vulnerable?" The Emperor asked but none were willing to reply in Princess Twilights presence.

"I thought as much so I will make this request once more. Give my people the chance to teach yours the ways of warfare, allow us to show you how to defend your lands and your people."

"But at what cost?" Another noble asked at the end of the table.

"And you are?"

"Forgive the late introductions dear Emperor. I am Prince Blueblood, nephew to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Now from what I can see both sides have made valid arguments but if I am to be honest we are indeed lacking the strength to defend our nation."

"Finally, a noble who sees reason." Joseph said, earning him a few glares from the council.

"While Princess Twilight and her friends have saved us in the past, they have also come close to certain defeat during each and every occasion. If the emperor is willing to help improve our nations strength then I am all for it. What say you dear auntie?" Blueblood asked Princess Celestia as all eyes turned to her.

“I completely agree, nephew,” Celestia said with a smile. “As always, your words are a comfort and as wise as my own.”

“Your majesty, with all due respect, you can’t be serious?!” A noble mare snapped. “You would put your trust in this ape than your own council?!”

Shing!

The mare gasped when she felt a blade pressed against her neck. Everyone was on edge when they saw Darren stare down at the mare with glare that made the air cold and thick with tension.

“Bite your tongue, and swallow the uncouth words you have said about my emperor, wench!” Darren snarled.

"Sir Darren! put your sword away at once!" The emperor commanded as Darren happily obliged.

"Forgive my knight, sometimes his temper gets the best of him."

"It's understandable." Celestia sighed.

"You must understand, not since the war with King Sombra have we ever needed to assemble an army and as my nephew has said, Twilight and the others have saved us in the past but against a threat like this...I think it will take more than the magic of friendship to face this foe." The princess took a long pause as she thought of her next move.

"Blueblood my nephew, I want you to start a recruitment program. Send word to the other major cities as well, I will leave the details to you."

"Yes dear aunt." Blueblood bowed respectfully before leaving.

"This will be a fun few weeks," Joe said while staring around the room. "Let's see if any of you have the balls to protect your home."

"Grr I don't have to sit here and take this." The mare from before spat as she stormed out of the room.

"Whoo. Who ruffled her shirt?" Marshall asked after hearing the door slam.

"Lady Uppercrust is a bit stubborn at times." Celestia said before leaving with the rest of the council members.

"While we start gathering recruits, we should also reopen the mines beneath Canterlot."

"Mines?" The emperor asked as they went towards the gardens.

"Yes. Centuries ago, Canterlot was a mining town owned by unicorns who cared solely for wealth but when me and my sister took over and established trade with the other tribes the mines were shut down."

"That and many workers died harvesting those gems." Luna said as she flew down from the sky to greet her sister with a hug.

"Sister are you sure?"

"I'm afraid we must Luna you and I both know that wars cost money."

"And lives..." Luna sighed with a sad expression.

"It has been many centuries since the last war."

“One lesson my father, and his father before, and his father before him and so on have passed down in my family name,” Darren said. “Bellum nunquam mutatur.”

“What does that mean?” Celestia asked.

“It is my family’s creed. It means War never changes,” Darren said.

"You must come from a long line of soldiers Sir Darren." Luna complimented as they sat themselves under a gazebo for afternoon tea.

"Since the days of Emperor Magnus the Pious. The Clarke family has always distinguished themselves on the battlefield."

"Well you're the lucky one." Joe said while laying down on a garden bench.

"I joined up with the free companies during the war with the cessationists back home. Nasty business, that was."

"Do you humans always fight?" Celestia asked.

"Only when the occasion calls for it," Joe said.

“For us, we fight to save and protect. For humans like the rebels, they fight to dominate oppress,” Darren said. “For the monsters like orcs and goblins, they fight for the thrill and senseless slaughter.”

"And there are far worse things we have fought back home. Things I pray never find their way to this land." Marshall added with a grim look on his face.

"Your empire is lucky to have brave souls like you fighting for it." Celestia said with an approving nod.

"Now gentlemen, we have important matters to discuss. Take the rest of the day off."

"With pleasure sire." Joe smiled as he got off his bench and headed straight for the exit.

"Come on boys. Next stop, the tavern!"

"No starting a brawl this time!" Marshall shouted as he followed after.

"Um sire, with the princesses permission I'd like to stay." Darren said while trying not to sound nervous.

“I do not mind,” Celestia said.

“Of course, Sir Darren, we shall see you later,” Karl said as he left with Joe and Marshall.

Darren stood by his seat and held his helmet in his hands. He stared back at his reflection and sighed.

"Are you homesick?" Celestia asked after noticing.

“A bit,” Darren said. “My nephews must be worried about their uncle.”

“You have nephews?” Celestia said.

“Indeed, born from their mother whom I call sister,” Darren said. “They aspire to be like me, but I am unsure this life is meant for them. There are too many dangers in this world as it is.”

"Nothing wrong with family looking up to you." Luna said while sipping some tea.

"They must be proud to have someone as brave as you for an uncle."

“They are,” Darren smiled. “Makes me somewhat regret not taking the time to find a spouse of my own to bear a son of my own for me.”

Luna glanced at Celestia and smirked before subtlety elbowing her and stood up from her throne.

“I believe I shall join Sir Joe and Sir Marshall. It has been ages since I last visited the tavern,” Luna said nonchalantly as she made herself scarce.

"I never took your sister for a drinker." Darren said in surprise as she left.

"She doesn't get out much." Celestia replied.

“I’ve been rather curious about something, my lady,” Darren said, eyeing the princess. “How is it that woman such as yourself does not have a ring on your finger? Surely you must have suitors lined up out the door?”

It was at that point Celestia set her cup down and looked at her empty hand.

"It's true, there are many who wish to marry a princess...but every man I've met wants me for my position or to gain prestige and while it is petty, they complain about my love of cake."

Darren could not help but laugh as the princess smirked.

"And what of you Sir Darren? Any girl back home waiting for you?"

“Old flames that snuffed out too quickly, I’m afraid,” Darren shrugged. “That and the slightly irritating attempts from Joe and Marshall trying to set me up.”

Darren then made a bold move and after setting his helmet on the table and approached Celestia.

“In my opinion, any man would be blessed to have you as a wife,” Darren said.

Celestia gasped as he held her hand yet despite the leather and plate armor, his touch was soft and gentle.

"And I believe any woman would be lucky to have you for a husband." Celestia smiled while holding his hand. For a moment the two were lost in each others eyes until one of the castle servants showed up and addressed the princess.

"Forgive the interruption your highness but it is time for afternoon court."

"Oh. Yes, of course. Good day Sir Darren." She said when out of nowhere, Darren kissed her hand in true knightly fashion.

"Until next time milady."

“Yes indeed, Sir Darren,” Celestia said dreamily as she watched him leave.

End.

Author's Note

Surprised? Blueblood isn't a jerk in this series.